Today marks the four hundredth anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. It is staggering to believe that now, four centuries later, the bard’s works remain not only as relevant as ever, but as popular as ever. Which other playwright in all of history could claim such a feat? Shakespeare’s influence is still felt even now in modern English. Phrases like “to be or not to be” are recognisable instantly, and Shakespeare’s works are still taught in schools across Britain (and beyond).

While little may be known about the man himself, it’s remarkable that his works have survived for four centuries, and may now be even more popular than ever. They hold a special place in the hearts of many: intelligent, tragic, comic, Shakespeare’s play are all of these and so much more. By comparison, what contemporary works could stand tall alongside them? What modern artiste – in any medium – is likely to last as long in hearts and minds and history? Who else can influence a language and culture to such a degree?

Not only do Shakespeare’s works still remain as current as ever today, but his work has influenced countless others – novelists, artists, dance troupes, and so much more. I cannot think of a single person who has had such an impact on the creative landscape ever.

Whatever your creative endeavour, let William Shakespeare’s acheivements stand as an example – a lofty goal to which we can all aspire. And remember: all the world’s a stage.

Happy “Back to the Future” Day everybody! That’s right, today is the day that Marty Mcfly travelled forwards in time to in Back to the Future Part II. Although the film was set (before the time travel) in 1985, it was filmed in 1989. There were plenty of ideas thrown in there about what the world might look like in 2015, and while some have come true, others are still a distant dream.

Perhaps guessing what new inventions will be around in 21 years doesn’t seem like such a big ask, but today’s world is very different. Back in 1989, the internet had yet to take off, social media hadn’t been invented, and mobile phones weren’t the sleek everyday items that are so ubiquitous today. So what did the film get right and wrong?

Payment using biometrics is already here, and VR glasses/headsets have been around for a while too. Video conferencing is, rather less interestingly, real, and multi-channel TV screens are available.

But time travel itself remains firmly within the bounds of Science Fiction/Fantasy (depending on whether you believe it’s possible) and Spielberg hasn’t made Jaws 19 yet (I can live with that). Perhaps the greatest tragedy though is that working hoverboards still aren’t available, and there’s no indication anyone’s going to be cornering the market on hoverboards any time soon. I’d gladly swap the video conferencing, VR glasses, and biometrics for the hoverboard. Still, at least DeLoreans are still around. Oh, wait…